The University of Aberdeen has confirmed it is considering scrapping its modern languages degrees amid claims they are "unsustainable" in their current form.
It comes after four European consulates in Scotland raised fears about the future of the courses.
Students protested outside a meeting where the plans were outlined.
The university blamed a steep fall in the number of students studying modern languages for the proposals.
It also cited high staff numbers relative to students.
Senior vice-principal Karl Leydecker said it was a "difficult time".
A consultation will now be carried out on three options for future of provision at the School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture (LLMVC).
The options are:
- Scrap single honours degrees in French, Gaelic, German and Spanish and reduce the number of courses required to deliver joint honours programmes
- Scrap single and joint honours degrees in French, Gaelic, German and Spanish but continue "with language" programmes like International Business with French
- Scrap all language programmes with a named language but offer a language as an elective course in first or second year.
